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Feb. 21, 2013

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The U.S. Coast Guard took delivery Feb. 20 of the first new Long Range Interceptor II (LRI-II) in Alameda, Calif. The first LRI-II will be assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the lead ship of the Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) fleet. The LRI-II is 35 feet long with a range of over 220 nautical miles. It is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 38 knots.

The stern-launched LRI-II’s high speed and extended range significantly enhances its host cutter’s ability to execute missions while underway, particularly in migrant interdiction and law enforcement operations where teams need to be put on scene quickly. Its ability to extend the reach of its host cutter is also critical to search and rescue operations, enabling NSC cutter crews to patrol larger search areas. The LRI-II can carry up to 15 passengers, including crew, and safely operate in seas up to 13 feet.

On June 4, 2012, the Coast Guard awarded a five-year contract, worth up to $10.2 million, to MetalCraft Marine U.S. of Cape Vincent, N.Y., for the LRI-II cutter boat project. The Coast Guard has options under this contract to procure up to a total of 10 boats. These include eight LRI-IIs to be deployed aboard the Coast Guard’s NSCs and two additional boats that could be ordered by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Navy.